Abstract
The preservation of the diversity of endangered populations of argan trees, in their natural habitat, is a crucial step toward their conservation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the argan trees in the wild, and to establish a phylogenetic map using DNA fingerprints. The ultimate goal was to develop a core set that would represent the existing diversity in the whole germplasm. In regard to this, 200 samples of Argania spinosa individual trees were collected from 10 different provenances in the region of Essaouira (Morocco). The genetic variation between and within these argan trees was investigated using previously described Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat markers. These markers generated a total of 149 fragments, in which 148 (99.33%) were polymorphic. The samples collected in the 'Ouled Lhaj' provenance showed the lowest diversity (% of polymorphic locus P=48.32%; genetic diversity Nei h=0.153; allelic richness A=1.483), compared to those collected in the 'Mramer' provenance (%P=68.46%; h=0.233; A=1.685). Also, the results showed a high level of genetic differentiation among provenances (AMOVA=44%, Gst=0.40), and a limited gene flow (Nm=0.73) between the provenances. In addition, these data suggested a low correlation between the genetic diversity of the tree and their respective geographical location in relation to the proximity to the littoral. Finally, a core collection of 13 genotypes that represent the essential of the detected diversity was established. The distribution pattern of this genetic diversity provides an important baseline data for the conservation strategies of argan tree species in the wild.
Highlights
The aim of the present study is to examine the genetic diversity of naturel populations of Argania spinosa in the wild
The 149 locus generated by 10 Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) primers were sufficient to genetically characterize the studied provenances
To define the ISSR variation within the provenances, the POPGENE software was used to calculate five parameters that represent estimation for each locus, and the average represent the diversity in the loci
Summary
Skeels) is an endemic forest species in Morocco (Northern West of Africa), covering approximately 828000 hectares (Mhirit et al, 1998). This species belongs to Sapotaceae family and it is a diploid species (2n=24) (Majourhat et al, 2007), monoecious and allogamous (Msanda et al, 2005) which is believed to be pollinated by insects (El Mousadik and Petit, 1996a). Argania spinosa is a multi-purpose tree (oil-agriculture-forestry-pastoral) with a great genetic diversity (El Mousadik and Petit, 1996a; 1996b). In Morocco, the argan tree plays an important role in preserving the local environment, and ensuring the socio-economical equilibrium in the area where it grows (Nouaïm et al, 1991). The area of Essaouira produces between 1000 to 2000 tonnes of oil per year, corresponding very roughly to a local population of 60000-120000 trees, producing 142 million to 286 million fruits per year (Moussouris and Pierce, 2000)
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